we are the quiet ones
those who seem shy
introverted
even antisocial
we sat in the back of class
silently reading
while the world went on
we stand by the wall
at meetings and parties
seemingly daydreaming
unaware, ignorant
leaving them free to gossip
we observe you all
silently, carefully
ingesting information
every detail you didn’t notice
every word you’ll say was a lie
we will remember, for
we are the quiet ones
(c) 2026 Beth Ember